Newbie – PCRM sues fed government for DECEPTIVE language in the new dietary guidelines!

The new dietary guidelines came out the end of January,(read here). It suggests more fruits and veggies and less meat and dairy, however you would never know that based on the terms they used. I am always amazed at how deceptive they can be. They do not have our best interest at heart! They have their lifestyle and deep pockets to keep filling.

Highlights from the article in the Washington post:

Doctors Sue Federal Government for Deceptive Language on Meat, Dairy in New Dietary Guidelines

“The Dietary Guidelines are meant to be read by the ‘general public’ and not by scientists, biochemists, Nobel Laureates, or others with particular expertise,” PCRM’s attorney wrote in today’s filing in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which names the departments’ secretaries, Tom Vilsack and Kathleen Sebelius, as defendants.

“Yet Defendants intentionally use inconsistent language, ambiguous phrases, and biochemical terminology to avoid providing clear dietary information and guidance for the general public regarding the health benefits of reducing consumption of meat and dairy products. This is due to Defendants’ conflicts of interest.”

“For example, the Dietary Guidelines specify foods to eat more frequently (e.g., fruits and vegetables), but avoid identifying foods that people need to eat less often (e.g., meat and cheese),” the lawsuit claims. “Instead, the Dietary Guidelines use biochemical terms unfamiliar to the general public, calling for limiting ‘cholesterol,’ ‘saturated fats,’ and ‘solid fats’ without clearly explaining that: meat, dairy products, and eggs are the only sources of cholesterol in the diet, dairy products are the number-one source of saturated fat, and meat and dairy products deliver the majority of solid fats in the American diet.”

AWCE is trying to get a response to the suit from the USDA. But it’s worth noting that the guidelines actually do include numerous mentions to reduce meat consumption as well as references to the so-called Mediterranean diet, which promotes healthful living through low-fat foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To quote just one instance, the guidelines report:

In addition to being a major contributor of solid fats, moderate evidence suggests an association between the increased intake of processed meats (e.g., franks, sausage, and bacon) and increased risk of colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease. To reduce the intake of solid fats, most Americans should limit their intake of those sources that are high in solid fats and/ or replace them with alternatives that are low in solid fats (e.g., fat-free milk).

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As for relief, PCRM is asking the court to order the agencies to “withdraw those portions of the Dietary Guidelines that use vague or ambiguous language to hide the ill effects of consuming meat and dairy products and reissue such portions with healthful recommendations based on the preponderance of current scientific and medical knowledge.”

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Neal Bearnard closes with: The government, he notes, should not be telling people to just reduce meat consumption. He compares it to the 1960s when doctors were telling smokers to cut back on cigarettes.

PCRM is also asking them to change the current food pyramid and adoptThe Power Plate put together by PCRM.The USDA has a major conflict of interest going on, they need to keep the Ag business booming AND put out nutrition guidelines for the American people. There is no way to serve both sides without one losing out….. who do you think they chose to short change? We aren’t paying them a dime for the guidelines.